With the current shift in public awareness surrounding climate change, governments, corporations and individuals alike are taking action to help reduce global warming.

Solar power is one of the most commonly available, accessible, and feasible renewable energy options, and one of the main drivers in the reduction of carbon emissions across the globe. For starters, solar energy is non-contaminating, renewable and inexhaustible. Plus, solar panels can be recycled, and every kWh of energy they produce is a kWh of energy not generated in plant facilities that expel greenhouse gases.

While the US, Japan, Germany and Italy are all major contributors to solar photovoltaic (PV) global capacity, China now has the largest installed solar PV capacity in the world. And the leader there in the production of solar glass is Xinyi Glass. Founded in1988, Xinyi Glass has grown rapidly to become a major global player in the automobile, architectural, float, and now solar glass markets.

These innovative modules have a glass-to-glass laminated solar panel construction, with a battery sandwiched between two layers of interlayer film such as EVA. The glass used is 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm ultra-clear, with Ferro white glass enamel screen-printed on Side 3 of the laminated glass construct.

Compared to the single-glass version of yesteryears, this double glass construction improves the power generating efficiency and the shelf life of the battery pack, decreases the attenuation and improves the weather resistance of the module.

More recently, to further enhance solar efficiency, Ferro’s global R&D team worked with Xinyi to develop a specialty, high reflectivity white enamel for application on Side 3 of the laminated glass. This improves the reflectivity of the module, such that the battery absorbs more sunlight, thereby enhancing performance. Following exhaustive laboratory testing and field trials, this new Zibo Ferro product was fully approved in early 2019, and reached full production in early 2020.

RECOMMENDED USES FOR DOUBLE GLASS PV MODULES

Double glass PV modules are a new type of integrated building material (BIPV) providing clean and sustainable energy. Designed to be compatible with most conventional glazing systems for facades and skylights, they are particularly suitable for construction of car-park facilities, bus stops, shopping malls, sports facilities and greenhouses.